Grad Heads to Film School, Leaves DHS with Inspiring PSA

Recent Deerfield High School graduate Jon Goldberg is heading to Columbia College in Chicago to study film. He leaves DHS with a slew of national awards for stories he produced in high school and a public service announcement that will be aired next year.

“When you have a student like Jon in your class you feel privileged,” Brett Schwartz, DHS multimedia teacher, said. “He’s a highly committed filmmaker.”

Jon wrapped up the school year by winning several awards for WDHS (the student run TV news program). For example, the local chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences awarded Jon a crystal pillar (Student Television Award of Excellence) in the category of Sports for his story, “Future Olympian.” The piece was based around Highland Park High School figure skater Jason Brown. 

Goldberg also created a powerful public service announcement about the consequences of drunk driving.

Jon wrote the story; he also casted real actors and actresses to play different roles. He secured a Deerfield Police Officer to perform one of the parts. He planned the shoots at different locations; he directed the scenes and edited the video.

The PSA revolves around a drunken teenager who gets into a car accident after leaving a party.  It highlights the emotional interaction between his parents and a police officer who reports the crash to them.

“It felt good,” Goldberg said about being in charge and his attempt at combatting drunk driving.

Schwartz noted his delight in watching Goldberg develop as a filmmaker. Schwartz explained that his student started off primarily as a photographer but learned to grow as a filmmaker in the WDHS program.

“He looked carefully at writing and story development,” Schwartz said. “He developed editing skills, sound skills. He started directing more.”

Goldberg plans to continue his passion in college and encourages others interested in film “to be confident” and “not be afraid of all the work that goes into it.”